My Experience With ClassPass (NYC Gym & Studio Reviews)

For the last month and a half, I have been enjoying a variety of fitness classes all over New York City. Since I haven’t committed to a studio or gym membership just yet, I figured that I would take advantage of living in a city that offers it and finally give ClassPass a try.

Sadly, ClassPass still hasn’t mad it to the Detroit area (yet), but it is available in over 30 cities across the United States and globe!

I knew I wanted to sign up when we settled into our apartment, so when I stumbled upon an anniversary 10 classes for $30 deal (<- that offer probably isn’t still valid, but I included it just in case), my arm was officially twisted.

That’s an incredible deal, especially for the New York City area!

I just renewed my membership for a second month, so I wanted to share an honest review of my experience using the service so far.

ClassPass is a unique membership that grants you instant access to hundreds of gyms and studios in your area. It’s designed to help get you out there to explore tons of amazing studios and classes, challenge you with new and different ways to work out, and build your passion for living a healthy, fit life!

It used to cost a flat rate of $125 for an unlimited month, which I should have known wouldn’t last forever. Now, memberships can be purchased in different tiers, and prices may vary depending on where you live.

I currently have the Base plan which allows me to take five classes and visit the same studio brand up to two times. With the ten class special, I was able to visit a studio up to three times, and I did. This post covers reviews of my first ten classes!

(I’d prefer to upgrade to the Core or Unlimited, but it’s not in the budget quite yet. We’ll see how the next few months unfold. Ideally, I’d love to continue my membership and share studio and gym reviews on a regular basis.)

Pros

Overall, I am very happy with my experience with ClassPass. Having a membership gives me access to try a wide variety of chain and boutique studios and gyms alike. With single classes costing up to nearly $40 at times (yeesh), I definitely think there is value in becoming a member at least long enough to try everything you’re eyeing in your area.

The prices might seem steep, but it all depends on the perspective. What does a fitness class generally cost without a membership in your area? Anywhere in NYC will usually run around $25+ (and I’ve seen up to $37 per class!), so in that regard, you can get a lot of bang for your buck. (The Core package, for example, breaks each class down to cost $13.50.)

The ClassPass app makes it extremely easy to book classes, even last minute. Simply type in what type of workout you are looking for, and a long list of options pop up all over town, or in the specific area that you search.

Some studios require you to sign a waiver or paperwork in person, but others simply check you in upon your arrival. Each option provides a detailed class description, what you need to bring, and how early you should show up to your first class.

The biggest pro in my eyes is the value. Since I am in total explorer mode, I really like bouncing around different studios and trying out everything I can. This would run my monthly fitness bill pretty high if I wasn’t able to take advantage of ClassPass prices.

Also, ClassPass makes it really easy to workout with friends! Since you’re not locked down to a studio or gym membership, it’s not hard to find something that interests an entire group. I have taken several classes with Scott, and I plan to meet up with more fitness friends in the area in the near future.

Last but not least, there is a chance to earn credit towards future months by simply spreading the word. (If you decide to give ClassPass a try, I kindly ask that you use my affiliate link to help me purchase future months. Thanks in advance!)

Cons

I understand why there is a studio visit cap per month, but that doesn’t mean that I like it. You can’t just visit another location once you hit your max (say FlyWheel, for example), as the cap covers all locations under that brand.

When it comes to class packages, if you don’t use them you lose them. I wish that unused classes rolled over. If you don’t get to use the full ten classes per month, I feel like you should get credit to use them for at least the next month or so.

I haven’t personally experienced an issue with this, but I have heard that that certain locations of brand studios are not offered on ClassPass. This may be because I am still so new to the area and wouldn’t know any different. Also, it’s best to book classes in advance as much as possible, as they can fill up pretty quickly.

While there is a ton of class variety on ClassPass, there are still some studios that I would like to see join (SoulCycle … where you at?) Maybe one day!

June & July Gym & Studio Reviews

In case you’re ever thinking about trying some of the classes I have, here are my thoughts and honest reviews of the studios I tried in my first 30-day period.

I visited Cyc Fitness for the first time (<- click for more photos) in Astor Place before we moved up here. The 45-minute cycling classes are no joke! I sweat like crazy and I am pushed to my limits every time. I love the dark spinning rooms with accent lighting, the loud music, and even drums at times that help pump you up to the finish line.

I visited the studio in Hell’s Kitchen this time, and another one just opened up in Chelsea. The two studios I’ve been to have a fun environment and friendly staff.

I like that the class includes a few song tracks include light upper body weight work while you peddle, and I always leave feeling like I just ran ten miles and completed a short dumbbell workout. I would definitely attend on a regular basis if I lived or worked closer to Manhattan. It costs $28 for a single class, so I made sure to take advantage of this class option twice!

Scott and I signed up for a Sweat, Stretch & Relax yoga class at the last minute one afternoon. It was a 70 minute class, and it was the perfect mid-day treat to balance out all of the running we had been doing that week.

The class opened with a slow but strength-building vinyasa flow and ended with 20 minutes or so of deep stretching and meditation with essential oils. It was very relaxing, but I was hoping for a little more of a challenge (hence sweat in the title) with my practice and stretches. I enjoyed the environment of the studio, however, and would be up for trying another class down the road.

I have taken classes at a few Pure Barre studios over the years, and thanks to the three visit maximum, I was able to visit both of the locations in my area: Cobble Hill and Park Slope. I loved them. You can read more about my experience with taking classes at Pure Barre here and here.

I felt challenged in all three classes with close to 60 minutes of small, intense movements. Pure Barre is formatted very similarly to the barre classes I used to teach in Orlando, so I’m a big fan. I love how each exercise focuses on and then burns out a specific muscle area, one group at a time. I also like how much stretching is incorporated.

While I am an advocate of PB, I just can’t hop on board with the membership prices here in New York City. A single class rings in at $34, and a new client special runs for $155 a month. After that, an unlimited month jumps up to $295!

Phew! This one was killer. Craving a boot-camp style class, Scott and I signed up for a Total Body Tabata class put on by Tabata Ultimate Fitness. The class was led by Mike at CrossFit PH in Prospect Heights and kicked our booties. All over the place.

We started with a “warm-up” set of Tabatas with push-ups, sit-ups, and jump squats. We then completed three different rounds of bodyweight and weighted exercises including mountain climbers, burpees, box jumps, kettlebell swings, medicine ball slams, and more. We also ran 400 meters outside between each round of exercises (twice). Talk about an active recovery!

Both of us were pushing hard and barely made it through to the end without stopping. It was a big challenge, but it was awesome, and I left feeling like I could take on the world. I’ll be back when I’m ready for that high intensity sweat again.

A single session costs $25, and you can buy unlimited classes for a year for $100, which is a great value.

After a hectic week, an hour of Basic Vinyasa sounded wonderful. Scott and I also took this one together, and we both really enjoyed it.

It was slow moving, but challenging with options to advance positions and exercises. The studio is like a breath of fresh air and reminded me of my old ballet studio in Maitland, Florida. It has a lot of natural sunlight, plants, and charm.

The majority of class took us through a series of asanas and transitions, and it ended with the challenge to try the crow pose and a brief meditation. You can purchase 10 classes for $150, which offers about the same value as my current ClassPass package.

I used my remaining classes at Bar Method Brooklyn. Believe it or not, this was my first time visiting The Bar Method! I was very impressed by how welcoming the staff was once I arrived. There were two studios (most barre studios have one), and I liked the light and airy design of the lobby and studio space.

I took a Mixed Level class which covers all levels, beginner to advanced. Just like most barre classes I’ve tried, it started with a warm-up with free-weight exercises, push-ups, moved into isometric leg and seat exercises at the bar, and then ended with ab exercises and stretching in the center.

Some things that stood out to me about The Bar Method was the use of equipment. Instead of each person using one mat, they were provided a mat and several risers to intensify or modify the movement. I’m not sure if this is common or not, but one of my classes had two instructors. One led class over the mic and the other went around the room to correct form the entire time. I actually really liked that, and I think it would be comforting for someone new to the style of workout.

Slightly more affordable than Pure Barre, The Bar Method charges $32 per class, offers a new client special for $109, and charges $260 for unlimited month memberships.

***

And just like that, my first 30 days were over!

I hope to be able to continue my membership and will be back with more thoughts and reviews of studios and gyms in the New York City area. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions on ClassPass or any of the studios I covered.

Questions of the Day

• Have you ever tried ClassPass?

• What are some of your very favorite studios or classes offered?

Have a great rest of the day!

While this is not a sponsored post, affiliate links are included. I chose to share my review of ClassPass and experiences at the studios and gyms I visited with my membership on my own in hopes to spike interest or benefit this audience. As always, all opinions are 100% mine.

About Heather

Heather is a blogger, social media consultant, and NASM-certified personal trainer living in New York City. Life In Leggings is a personal healthy lifestyle blog that follows her adventures in the City and helps others reach their goals by sharing original recipes, challenging workouts, healthy meal ideas, and everyday fitness tips. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Comments

I had looked into Class Pass before but never actually joined. I kept hearing of their list of gyms online not actually having space or being up to date. Did you have any issues with limited times available or not being able to go to a certain facility on their list?Kate @ Kate Lives Healthy recently posted…WIAW #110

Hi Kate! Those are great questions. I guess I haven’t noticed the locations factor, but that’s probably because I am so new to the area. I have heard that before. I haven’t had too much trouble booking spots in classes unless I choose to do so at the last minute. If you’re looking to give it a try, the ClassPass home screen usually takes you to a $19 base month deal your first time around. Let me know if you do!

I know you tried it a little while back, but I am in LOVE with Orangetheory! A new studio opened about a mile from my apartment back in May and they offered a free week to “founding members” with no pressure to sign up afterward so obviously I couldn’t turn that down! Because of the cost I had no intentions of actually purchasing a membership (although compared to those unlimited barre memberships, my unlimited OTF membership is nothing…yeesh!), but the always killer/never the same workout and incredible atmosphere (coaches, and other members alike!) reeled me in. Finishing up month three and I’m still in the honeymoon phase 🙂

I love Orangetheory! I didn’t include my review of their classes in this post because I didn’t use my ClassPass membership to take classes. I will, however, probably get to it down the road and cover a few other ones I’ve come across outside of the membership, too. That’s awesome to hear that you have been there three months. I hope to get back and try more classes soon!

Living in Atlanta now I have considered Class Pass too! I think it’s awesome in that you get to try a ton of studios! I think the only thing that has stopped me is the price! But I may have to keep an eye on deals and try it out!

Love this! I did the unlimited on class pass for about a year and a half and love it. I will say, the one down side I felt was the lack of community. I think that there is a benefit to working out with the same instructor each week, because the instructor will notice more things that you do incorrectly and feel more comfortable correcting you. I did get a bit tired of feeling like the “guest” at each workout.

But, I did LOVE the variety and found my favorite studios after a few months. There are SO many great options!Hannah {Hannah at Home} recently posted…Injured

Yes, it is always good to feel a sense of community in fitness. I miss my clients I used to work with on a regular basis at my old gym! I’m loving it in “explorer mode” right now, but I know I will eventually want to get into a normal routine.

I just wrote a post last week about my experience with ClassPass! I love it but I am in Minneapolis so the prices are $55 for 5 classes or $89 for unlimited (with the 3x each studio limit still in place).Jill recently posted…It’s My 1 Year Blogging Anniversary!!

Thanks for the review! I have had the unlimited membership in San Francisco for about 8 months and love it, but REALLY don’t love that the price increase from $99 to $119 to $175 in less than 6 months! I still feel like I get a good value out of the plan though, since I use it 4-5 days/week and get to go to Barry’s Bootcamp ($32/class) and Core40 pilate reformer classes ($35/class) 3x per month each. Just those 6 classes are worth more than $175.

With that, there are two big cons that I would add – $15 cancellation fee within 12 hours, and only 4 active reservations at a time. When they increased the price so much, I wish they’d give us some sort of slight benefit along with that increase – like 1 waived cancellation fee per month, or 5 active reservations at a time (or more than 3 visits per studio per month like you mentioned). I’ve been dinged with the cancellation fee several times when I’ve had to work later than expected or was sick, so it’d be nice to be able to waive it 1x per month, because, well, life happens.

Anywho, that’s my 2 cents. Still love it and being able to try lots of different studios, so I don’t anticipate cancelling anytime soon 🙂

Hi Julie, thank you so much for sharing! I did notice the cancellation fee. I’ve never had to use it, but I can totally see why you would need to from time to time …. life sure does happen. I agree that there should be a little bit of leeway at least once a month. Have a great weekend!

I’ve never tried Class Pass but it really interests me! Right now, as a student, my school gym offers unlimited group fitness classes for $75 a year. There’s really awesome variety and I’ve done everything! Yoga, spinning, BodyPump, BodyCombat, Barre…it’s a great value for me! When I’m out of school, Class Pass seems like a really good way for me to get my group fitness fix! Thanks for sharing your reviews of all the classes, I absolutely love posts like this!

Yes, take advantage of that gym membership! What a great deal! I love BODYPUMP and have always wanted to try BODYCOMBAT. Obviously, you know I love barre. <3 Thank you for reading and enjoy the year of classes!

Thanks for the blog. The CLASSPASS seems to be fantastic and your journey making me to join the Gym right now. I am also a fitness enthusiast person and these kinds of fitness studio always blow my mind away. Hats off to you. Thanks once again.

Class pass is a bit of a scam. It’s great while you’re using, but just try and cancel. They keep charging your credit card. No phone number, no response from email. Not all gyms like it as I have heard they don’t always pay what they are supposed to.

[…] to a gym on a regular basis. As much as I love group fitness classes and bouncing around the City trying new things, I’m starting to long for the days where I could just to jump on a cardio machine and knock […]

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